Pope Francis made a significant gesture by donating one of his popemobiles, which is set to be transformed into a mobile health unit intended to assist children in Gaza, local officials announced on Monday. The Jerusalem and Sweden branches of the Vatican’s Caritas charitable federation shared images of the repurposed vehicle, although a timeline for its deployment remains unclear. This announcement coincided with Israel’s approval of plans to increase its presence in the Gaza Strip.
According to Caritas Jerusalem, the mobile unit will be equipped to provide essential primary healthcare services for children once the humanitarian corridor to Gaza is reopened. The vehicle will feature diagnostic and treatment equipment, including testing tools, suture kits, syringes, oxygen supplies, vaccines, and a refrigerator for storage.
Anton Asfar, secretary general of Caritas Jerusalem, emphasized that this vehicle embodies Pope Francis’s compassion and dedication to vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Throughout the ongoing conflict, the Pope has been vocal in his criticism of the Israeli military’s actions and has called for the return of hostages taken by Hamas during the outbreak of violence.
His continued advocacy for the people of Gaza has been highlighted by a nightly routine where, even while hospitalized for pneumonia, he reached out to the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip to check on their well-being.
This donation symbolizes a hopeful initiative in a region experiencing significant turmoil, reflecting the Pope’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian aid and support for the most affected communities.